India test-fires air-to-air missile

Bhubaneshwar:A successful test of an indigenously developed air-to-air missile with a range of up to 80 kilometers (50 miles) was held on 25 March, according to a defense ministry official.

The missile, “Astra” (Weapon), is being developed for the Indian Air Force and it can be fired from a fighter aircraft without being detected by radar, the official said on condition of anonymity as he was not authorized to talk to reporters.

The test was carried out from Chandipur range, nearly 270 kilometers (167.78 miles) from Bhubaneshwar, the capital of Orissa state.

India and Pakistan regularly test-fire missiles, but normally only give each other notice for long-range launches.